I have been fascinated by the Civil War since I was a child. Like millions of us in the U.S., I had ancestors that fought and died in that war. A war that pitted families against each other-- in an attempt to bring the states back together in one Union. How would things have turned out if the Confederate position had won? This game gives you a chance to explore that option, though on a tiny, personal scale.

Unlike previous Civil War games, Gods and Generals is a first-person shooter. Previous games I have tried are more strategy based and require long hours of analysis and positioning. In this one, you walk, spy and shoot your enemy trying to gain ground in your mission. However, don't expect Quake-type guns in this game! Though I am sure someone will offer some hacks to allow such an arsenal, the game allows you to use only real, traditional weapons indicative of the period. That offers a unique, challenging experience.

Based on the recent theatrical release (by director Ron Maxwell) of the same name, G&G's relationship with the movie ends at the title. Aside from the name, it resembles the movie only in the uniforms worn. The battles are the same, but that's about it. I guess I expected this to be more of a simulation, but the first person shooter idea works for me as well.

I like the idea of using the old, primitive weapons to make my way through the missions. Since Doom, I have fragged beasts and evil-doers with obscene rocket launchers and laser canons. Now, I am forced to use a knife/bayonet, single-shot musket, and primitive grenade (far too few of them out there!). You can not just jump into the enemy's camp and start shooting. You must plan you approach and be much more deliberate on your attack. The revolver works the fastest, but it still not quick. Pulling the trigger is followed by pulling the hammer back for the next shot. When you are being fired upon, that makes for nerve-racking action. The pistol also allows only very limited accuracy and distance. The musket, both scoped and sighted, allow for long shots, but again-- you have to reload between shots-- and that is not quick at all. The learning curve for this type of action is steep. Again, I am used to entering a zone and blasting foes with a super-cannon that holds a zillion loads. Now, I have to tip-toe and crawl into position, and make sure what weapon I have drawn is the best for that situation. For some, that may be bad and annoying, but for me, I found it refreshing and fun once I was killed a dozen times in unsuccessful attacks.

Your missions are simple in design. Carrying them out is not as easy. Jackson's Stand, the battle in Fredericksburg (very famous skirmish), Chancellorsville and others... are all there. There will be expansion packs as well. Knowing something about the actual battles adds to the experience, but by no means is required. You can also opt for (fun!) sniper attacks and seat-of-your-pants run and shoot charges into certain doom (or success?). 

The textures and mapping is very nice. Not as detailed as many games in this genre, but I think the low-tech scale of it fits the game well. They made good use of what they have. When most of your surroundings are outdoor and sparse, there isn't much room for flash and dazzle. Take away the need for laser blasts and marching cyborgs... and you're left with the freedom to focus on the gameplay itself.

The sounds were good. Again, there isn't the need for futuristic chaos and hype, so the mood is more quiet, and subtle (mostly). The music was annoying too quickly, but that can be adjusted. There is little voice acting. Mostly shouting ""hey you there!" and other such clever dialog. The weapon sounds were good. Unlike Unreal Tournament, I have actually fired some of these weapons, and know what they sound like. If only they could make black smoke come out of your case when you shoot-- that would be authentic! Maybe some recoil on the mouse?

It was a fun and different experience. It was a nice change from the modern, futuristic shooters flooding the market today. If you want a new challenge that tests more of your stealth and wit, this is a good option for you. Once you learn the pace and patience of firing weapons that are NOT automatic, it becomes a challenging and engaging experience. For a Southern-born boy from VA, I appreciate the chance to get in the action-- from the safety of my office chair and sipping my favorite fruity beverage. 

Gameplay: 7
Once you get the hang of the pace, it becomes a much better experience. The controls are simple. Running, jumping, crouching and etc are all done easily. Being successful requires a lot of stealth, and that is refreshing. You have to think before you charge into a situation. Cover is important, though there is a armored chest plat that offers some protection. Still, caution and study is the key.  

Graphics: 6.5 
Not too bad for a game as subtle as this. Many games without major history and hype (a la Quake 1, 2, 3) can be "junk". The graphics here are up to par and a little more. The country sides are smooth, and the soldiers look good. The uniforms are nice looking. Having to keep within "reality" is something the previously mentioned future games do not have to be concerned with. You have to keep in line with the real world, which is challenging.

Sound: 6
Probably the weakest factor of the game, though still not bad. I was quickly annoyed with the music. I own the G&G movie soundtrack, but hearing the same tracks over and over in the game was annoying. The environment sounds were good, however. The gun sounds and etc were right on target with reality.   

Difficulty: Medium
Taking away the run-and-gun factor makes it more of a challenge. You can be swarmed upon in a moment's notice. If your attacks are not precise and cautious, you will die many times without getting anywhere. Learning the guns and their quirks is half the fun/difficulty. I have shot muzzle-loaders and love it. Doing it in a game, in "battle", is fun as well.  

Concept: 7 
Taking a first person shooter genre and making it "yesteryear" is fun. Although I expected a strategic simulation game, what arrived was a pleasant surprise. I enjoyed my achievements even more because they were more challenging to complete. I am sure such primitive shooters exist, but this was my first real experience with such.  

Multiplayer: N/A
Although I did not attempt this, Activision supposedly offers an expansion pack that allows multiplayer action, as well as other new twists.

Overall: 6
I enjoyed this game once I got into it. It has a steep learning curve for those of us used to more aggressive shooters. The difference is refreshing and fun. It has a very professional feel to it, and vignettes from the movie. It's subtle, yet dynamic. That captures the Civil War well. It was a war of gentlemen and rebels. How you play it determines your success. I hope that expansions keep coming. It was a long war, with a lot of battles and skirmishes. I live in a town that changed hands (North/South) about a dozen times during this period. I have been to many battlefields and look forward to maybe seeing some of them portrayed on my PC. If you need laser blasts and aliens hordes for your entertainment, stay clear of this one. It will leave you bored and unfulfilled. But, if you want a change, and a chance to relive the time and tensions of our country's development, give this one a try.